Nation Celebrates 2625th Birth Anniversary of Lord Mahavir Jain

Kathmandu. The 2625th birth anniversary of Mahavir Jain, who spent his life spreading the message of truth, non-violence, non-possession, non-stealing, and celibacy, is being celebrated across the country today through various programs.

He was born in 599 BCE on the Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi day in a village named 'Kundalgram' near Vaishali in India, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishula. Although born into a royal family, various Jain scriptures mention that Mahavir Jain left for asceticism in search of peace. After about 12 years of penance, he shared the Jain philosophy with the human community.

According to Sushilkumar Jain, President of the Nepal Jain Parishad, there are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. The name Tirthankara is given because they show the path of religion. Mahavir gave the message of non-violence, truth, and not accumulating more than what is needed.

Mahavir's view is that harming others is also violence, so helping others is non-violence. His work, Uttar Adhyayan Sutra, is famous. The Nepali translation was done by Dr. Manibhadra Muniji, the founder of the Manav Lin Kendra. On the occasion of Mahavir's birth anniversary, the Nepal Jain Parishad and various other organizations have announced that they will celebrate this day by organizing programs.